From: https://www.habitat.

org/our-work/disaster-response/disaster-preparedness-
homeowners/landslides

Landslides and debris flows are caused by a number of factors, such as earthquakes,
heavy rain, volcanic eruptions and poor land management.

They often occur in mountainous regions where loose material can easily slide
downhill. The force of rocks, soil and other debris moving quickly down a slope can
devastate everything in its path. Because landslides and debris flows occur quickly
and with little notice, it is essential to be prepared.

Before a landslide/debris flow

 Check out FLASH Hurricane Strong  for do-it-yourself ways to strengthen your
homes against flooding, high winds and lightning.
 Review your family preparedness plan .
 Establish a family communications plan .
 Assemble a disaster supply kit .
 Have a family evacuation plan  in place.
 Perform a ground assessment of your property, and consult a professional for
advice on appropriate preventive measures.
 Learn the history of landslides and debris flows in your area. Never build a
home where landslides and debris flows have occurred in the past. They are
likely to occur again.
 Minimize hazards:

 Plant ground cover on slopes. Use erosion-preventing plants such as

yucca, bamboo, vetiver grass, etc.

 If possible, build retaining walls, channels or deflection walls around

your home.

 Be familiar with landslide and debris flow warning signs:

 New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, foundations, sidewalks, etc.

 Doors and windows stick or jam for the first time.

 Outside walls, walkways or stairs pull away from the building.

 Underground utility lines break.

 Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.

  A faint rumbling sound is noticeable and increases in volume.

 The ground slopes downward and may begin to shift.

 Fences, utility poles, decks, floors, retaining walls and trees tilt or
move.

Additional considerations for COVID-19

 Unless you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, it is recommended that you

make a plan to shelter-in-place in your home, if it is safe to do so.
 If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family
to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable.
 Only evacuate to shelters if you are unable to shelter at home or with family
or friends. Note that your regular shelter may not be open this year. Check
with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters.
 If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for
staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter  during the COVID-19
pandemic.

During a landslide/debris flow

 Be prepared to evacuate and do so immediately if necessary.
 If you are inside, remain where you are and take cover under a sturdy piece of
furniture.
 If you are outside, run to the nearest high ground away from the landslide or
debris flow.
 If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball to protect your head.

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What’s the difference between a landslide and a debris flow?

Landslide: Masses of rock, earth or debris moving down a slope. Think of a landslide as a large chunk of
material that slides down a surface.

Debris flow: Rivers of rock, earth and other debris saturated with water. The addition of water makes debris
flows more fluid than landslides.

After a landslide/debris flow

 Stay away from the slide area. There could be additional slides.
 Avoid using the phone except in serious emergencies.
  Remember that flooding may occur  after a landslide or debris flow.
 Help injured or trapped people. Do not move seriously injured people unless
they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. Call for help.
 Inspect your home:

 Leave the house if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

 Check for damage to walls, the foundation, the electrical system and
water lines.

 Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or other flammable liquids

immediately.

 Notify your insurance company and Habitat affiliate if your home is

damaged.

 Report any broken utility lines or damaged roadways to authorities.

 Replant damaged ground as soon as possible to reduce the risk of flash
flooding.

Additional considerations for COVID-19

 You should continue to use preventive actions  like washing your hands and
wearing a face covering  during clean up or when returning home.
 It may take longer than usual to restore power and water if they are out.
Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning  if you use a generator.
 If you are injured or ill, contact your medical provider for treatment
recommendations. Keep wounds clean to prevent infection. Remember,
accessing medical care may be more difficult than usual during the pandemic.
 Dealing with disasters can cause stress and strong emotions, particularly
during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural to feel anxiety, grief, and
worry. Coping with these feelings and getting help  when you need it will help
you, your family and your community recover.
 People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their
treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional
information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration  page.
 When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social
distancing  recommendations (staying at least 6 feet, about two arms’ length,
from others) and other CDC recommendations  to protect yourself and others.
 If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for
staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter  during the COVID-19
pandemic.
 If you are sick and need medical attention , contact your healthcare provider
for further care instructions and shelter-in-place, if possible. If you are
experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know if you
have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face
 covering before help arrives. If staying at a shelter or public facility, alert
shelter staff immediately so they can call a local hospital or clinic.

Additional resources
Emergency/preparedness information

 American Red Cross

 Federal Emergency Management Agency

 Ready.gov: Landslides and debris flows

 U.S. Geological Survey landslide preparedness

Current landslide information

 U.S. Geological Survey

 Landslide monitoring

Other information

 NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards